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Author: Benjamin Davis

A Michelin Star for a Vegan Restaurant: What It Means for the Future of Plant-Based Dining 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Foodservice, Global Marketplace, Restaurants.

The plant-based food movement has reached a historic milestone: for the first time, a fully vegan restaurant has been awarded a Michelin Star in Great Britain & Ireland. Plates London, led by Chef Kirk Haworth, has earned this prestigious recognition—not for being vegan, but for delivering world-class cuisine that stands alongside the finest dining experiences in the world.

This moment is bigger than just one restaurant. It signals a seismic shift in the perception of plant-based food, proving that vegan cuisine is not just a dietary preference but a serious contender in the highest echelons of the culinary world.

 

A New Era for Plant-Based Fine Dining 

For years, plant-based cuisine has been viewed through a narrow lens—often associated with health-conscious choices, sustainability concerns, or casual dining concepts. Plates London challenges this stereotype, presenting a high-end, multi-course tasting experience that treats vegetables, nuts, grains, and legumes with the same artistry and technique traditionally reserved for meat and seafood.

Michelin’s recognition of Plates isn’t about making a statement on veganism—it’s about recognizing outstanding culinary craftsmanship. As the Michelin Guide Inspectors put it:

“Plates is not just ‘the vegan Star’—it is a Star full stop. An inventive, adventurous, and superbly executed dining experience from Chef-Owner Kirk Haworth and his team, it is fully deserving of its new Star status.”

This distinction elevates plant-based cuisine beyond its niche and places it firmly in the conversation of gastronomic excellence.

 

What This Means for the Food Industry 

The Michelin Star for Plates London isn’t just a win for one restaurant—it’s a wake-up call for the entire foodservice industry. Here’s why this moment matters:

  • Plant-based dining is now a mainstream culinary force. The success of Plates shows that fine dining customers—whether vegan or not—are eager for plant-based innovation. Restaurants and chefs who ignore this shift risk falling behind.
  • The demand for elevated plant-based cuisine is growing. Plates has been fully booked since opening, proving that diners crave plant-based experiences that go beyond the usual salads and grain bowls. This presents an opportunity for restaurants of all types to rethink their plant-based offerings.
  • Culinary technique matters. What sets Plates apart is its ability to apply classical fine-dining techniques—like fermentation, aging, and intricate sauce work—to plant-based ingredients. This level of refinement will become the new expectation for plant-based menus worldwide.
  • Vegan cuisine is evolving beyond its stereotypes. Gone are the days when plant-based food was considered restrictive or “missing something.” Plates proves that vegan dishes can be indulgent, luxurious, and deeply satisfying—a message that will continue to shape consumer expectations.

 

A Challenge to the Restaurant Industry 

The recognition of Plates London is just the beginning. It sets a new standard for what’s possible in plant-based foodservice, challenging chefs, restaurateurs, and food industry leaders to push the boundaries of creativity and flavor.

For restaurants and foodservice operators, the takeaway is clear: plant-based cuisine is no longer an afterthought—it’s an opportunity. Whether in fine dining, casual restaurants, or even quick-service chains, those who embrace the evolution of plant-based food will lead the next wave of culinary innovation.

As more restaurants follow in Plates’ footsteps, the question is no longer whether plant-based dining can compete with traditional fine dining—it’s how quickly the industry will rise to meet the challenge.

Industry Beat: Let’s Talk About What Really Makes Food Healthy 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in The Industry Beat.

by Benjamin Davis

Content Chair, Plant Based World

In the evolving world of health-forward food marketing, it’s tempting to chase simplicity. Consumers want shorter ingredient lists, fewer additives, and labels they can read without a science degree. But as our industry continues to respond to this trend, it’s worth pausing to ask: Are fewer ingredients always better? And more importantly, what does “better” really mean? 

Let’s take a recent case that stirred up both admiration and skepticism: the new “Only…” line from Marks & Spencer, which features products like a single-ingredient cornflake—yes, just corn. At first glance, it feels like a win for the anti-ultra-processed foods (UPF) movement. No “nasties,” minimal processing, and a clean label. But Max Rees, co-founder of THE CURATORS, urges us to look deeper. 

“If a bowl of plain cornflakes (where the only ingredient is corn) is now the gold standard of breakfast, we need to have a chat,” Rees wrote in a recent post. “No protein. No fibre. No vitamins or minerals. Just… corn. So, what exactly is it doing for you nutritionally?” 

This is not a critique of the product itself—it may serve a purpose for some consumers. But it does highlight a growing tension in the plant-based and better-for-you food space: are we prioritizing the appearance of health over actual nutritional value? 

 

The Pitfall of “Can’t Pronounce It = Bad” 

The simplicity trend also brings with it a dangerous oversimplification. The idea that “if you can’t pronounce it, don’t eat it” has become a popular mantra in clean eating circles. But Noga Golan, Founder and CEO of Food Impact, argues that this thinking is not only flawed—it’s potentially harmful. 

“Deciding that an ingredient is ‘bad’ because you haven’t heard of it or can’t pronounce it is downright silly,” says Golan. “Palm oil sounds simple but is high in saturated fat. Meanwhile, tocopherols (hard to say, we know) are just Vitamin E—a powerful antioxidant.” 

It’s not about pronunciation. It’s about purpose. Some unfamiliar ingredients play crucial roles in food safety, shelf life, or nutritional enrichment. Others—despite sounding simple—may contribute to health concerns, environmental degradation, or both. 

 

Implications for Plant-Based Brands 

So what does this mean for those of us developing and marketing the next generation of plant-based products? 

  • Transparency, not trickery: Today’s consumers are label-savvy, but they’re also hungry for education. Don’t just strip your label to the bare minimum—explain what’s in your product and why it’s there. 
  • Nutrition matters: A short ingredient list doesn’t equal a balanced meal. Fortification, functional ingredients, and thoughtful formulation are part of delivering true value to your customer. 
  • Honor culinary roots: Ingredient lists shouldn’t come at the expense of taste or tradition. Not all “processing” is bad. Fermentation, extrusion, and even blending have been part of human food culture for millennia. 
  • Marketing should follow science, not trends: Brands that can educate while they sell will win trust. Build your messaging around real benefits—nutritional density, digestibility, bioavailability—not just buzzwords. 

 

Moving Forward: Smarter Labels, Smarter Conversations 

As we navigate the future of plant-based innovation, let’s stay focused on nuance. Marketing food as “clean” or “free from” might win attention, but earning loyalty will come from delivering quality, clarity, and real nourishment. 

Ingredients are not the enemy. Confusion is. Let’s lead our consumers not just toward simpler labels, but toward smarter choices. 

Because at the end of the day, our job as food leaders isn’t just to make things look healthy—it’s to actually feed people well. 

NUMU: A Singular Focus on the Perfect Plant-Based Mozzarella for Pizza

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Foodservice, Products, Restaurants.

In a crowded plant-based cheese market, one company is proving that narrow focus can lead to unmatched quality. NUMU, a Brooklyn-born brand with a singular mission — to craft the best plant-based mozzarella for pizza — is gaining traction among chefs and foodservice buyers who understand that great pizza starts with the right cheese.

“We’ve decided to stay very focused on a single product. We make one SKU, vegan mozzarella shreds,” says Matt Marshall, NUMU Sales Manager. “We’ve been the vegan pizza mozzarella in Whole Foods for 3–4 years and are picking up an assortment of small and large pizza chains to grow NUMU as a brand.”

Built for Pizza. Full Stop.

Unlike generalist cheeses that aim to work on sandwiches, pastas, and nachos alike, NUMU is engineered with one thing in mind: performing exceptionally well on a pizza, where high heat, crispy crust, and rich tomato sauce create a demanding environment for cheese to shine.

The result? A creamy, stretchy melt, balanced salinity, and clean flavor that integrates beautifully with dough and sauce without overpowering or falling flat.

Ingredient Integrity

NUMU’s plant-based mozzarella is crafted from a thoughtful blend of ingredients designed to maximize performance and taste, including:

  • Filtered water

  • Refined coconut oil

  • Potato and organic tapioca starch

  • Organic soy milk powder

  • Non-GMO carrageenan

  • Calcium phosphate

  • Natural flavors and lactic acid

This carefully designed formula allows NUMU to melt evenly, brown slightly, and stretch authentically — offering the classic mozzarella experience in a fully vegan format.

A Rising Star in Foodservice

NUMU’s tight focus has earned it a loyal following among chefs, particularly in high-volume, quality-conscious foodservice settings. “Buyers are looking for a product that feels authentic, and that is something that NUMU prides itself on,” says Marshall. “Some of the best pizza chefs in NYC guided the development of our product in the early years, and now chefs are proud to serve it on their menus.”

At the Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, NUMU showcased its product by sampling pizzas topped with plant-based meats from Before the Butcher. “Here at the Pizza Expo, we are sampling plant-based meats from Before the Butcher on our NUMU cheese pizzas. We love their products, and they are helping send customers our way,” Marshall adds.

Why Specialization Works

Part of what makes NUMU’s story so compelling is the backing it’s had from day one. “Part of the secret sauce of NUMU is that we had mission-driven investors from the beginning, and they have stayed by us through the ups and downs,” explains Marshall. “They care about the product and the mission and they want to see us succeed.”

As more consumers and foodservice operators seek plant-based options that don’t compromise on experience, specialized brands like NUMU will continue to lead the charge. In an era when buyers are no longer swayed by sustainability or health claims alone, taste and performance reign supreme.

For restaurants aiming to offer a plant-based pizza that stands up to traditional dairy, NUMU plant-based mozzarella might just be the missing ingredient.

The BE-Hive at the Pizza Expo – Rockin’ Plant-Based Pizza Toppings

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Foodservice, Products.

At this year’s Pizza Expo in Las Vegas, one of the standout stories came from The BE-Hive, a Nashville-based company with a rock-and-roll soul and a mission to revolutionize plant-based pizza toppings. Founded by musician and entrepreneur Ben Stix, BE-Hive has evolved from humble beginnings into a national supplier of premium seitan-based products for both retail and foodservice.

The company’s roots trace back to Stix’s days in the band Born Empty, when he and his bandmates shared a house called the “BE Hive.” What started as a communal space for music and creativity has transformed into a culinary powerhouse known for crafting delicious, meat-free alternatives that even hardcore meat lovers can appreciate.

“The seitan became our standout product”

The band began throwing events which evolved into a local café which has grown into a staple of today’s Nashville plant-based food scene.

“The seitan became our standout product,” Stix told Pulse in an interview at the Pizza Expo. “I’m from Tennessee and am used to serving BBQ, meat-loving eaters. Seitan became the way for meat eaters to try something plant-based and say, ‘Wow, this is actually good.’”

At the show, BE-Hive showcased their lineup of seitan-based pepperoni and Italian sausage pizza toppings, alongside roast beef deli slices and a house-made soy milk-based pizza cheese. “Pepperoni is what got us into the pizza game, and we are now introducing a Nashville hot pepperoni as well,” Stix shared. “The cheese is our next best product. It’s soy-based, and the ingredients are simply organic soybeans and water. I am focused on going back to real food, creating delicious plant-based products with simple ingredients.”

A One-Stop Shop for Plant-Based Pizza

This commitment to simplicity and flavor is what makes BE-Hive a gamechanger. For foodservice operations looking to add plant-based pizza options to their menus, BE-Hive offers a complete solution: craveable toppings and dairy-free cheese that win over customers who don’t typically eat plant-based foods.

Beyond its national distribution, BE-Hive maintains a strong cultural connection through its grassroots Nashville café, which builds local community and brand loyalty.

What Buyers Want in 2025: Quality

When asked what buyers are looking for in plant-based sourcing in 2025, Stix echoed a sentiment heard throughout the Pizza Expo: “Quality,” he said simply. “The food has to be better than what they expect. I started my seitan company in the heart of the gluten-free craze, and I am digging my feet in further now. Seitan was a food a thousand years ago, and it is still great. I am looking to further the entire movement.”

Stix and his team are proving that plant-based pizza toppings aren’t just for vegans — they’re for anyone who loves great-tasting food. For foodservice buyers, particularly with pizza on the menu, keep an eye on The BE-Hive as they continue to expand and inspire a new wave of plant-based innovation.

Violife Expands Its Plant-Based Dairy Empire with Coffee Creamers

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Products.

Violife continues to dominate the plant-based cheese space with taste-driven innovation and undeniable consumer appeal. Based on Nielsen data, Violife’s dairy-free cream cheese holds a 26.5% unit share in the U.S. alternative cream cheese category.

Violife has now taken things a step further, unveiling a brand-new product line that taps into one of the fastest-growing categories in plant-based dairy alternatives: coffee creamers.

Still the King of Dairy-Free Cheese

While the debut of coffee creamers was a highlight, Violife is still best known for its plant-based cheeses, a category where it continues to lead the charge. Their dairy-free cream cheese has received America’s vote for best plant-based cream cheese on the market according to Nielson data.

Violife was showcasing their full lineup of dairy-free cheeses at Expo West in March, from slices to shreds to spreads, giving attendees a chance to experience why they’ve remained a dominant player in plant-based cheese.

“…what makes our #1 dairy free Cream Cheese stand out from the rest—unmatched taste, texture, and versatility in every spread. You won’t believe it’s dairy free.”

A Bold Move into Creamers

Violife’s latest innovation, Supreme Coffee Creamers, is designed to stir, sip, and froth like a dream in both hot and cold coffee. Given Violife’s track record of delivering creamy, indulgent, and dairy-free alternatives, this move into the plant-based creamer market is a natural next step.

As Violife announced:

“This year, we’re serving up something delicious, dairy free, and undeniably good… our brand-new dairy free Violife Supreme Coffee Creamers. Smooth, creamy, and made to stir, sip, and froth like a dream in hot or cold coffee.”

The plant-based creamer category is booming, with consumers demanding dairy-free options that don’t sacrifice texture, taste, or functionality in their morning coffee. Violife’s Supreme Coffee Creamers are positioned to take a stronghold in this competitive space by offering the same rich experience that has made their plant-based cheeses a market leader.

The Takeaway: Violife is Expanding and Strengthening Its Leadership

Violife has long been a household name in dairy-free cheese, but its move into plant-based coffee creamers signals a bold expansion into new territory. The brand understands what plant-based consumers want—rich, creamy, and indulgent alternatives to dairy that deliver on both taste and performance.

For retailers and foodservice buyers, this continued innovation means a strong opportunity to capitalize on growing consumer demand for dairy-free alternatives across multiple categories. Violife is proving that plant-based dairy can be more than just an alternative—it can be a first choice.

V-March 2025: A Groundbreaking Moment for the Plant-Based Movement in China

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Global Marketplace.

The first-ever V-March campaign, launched by the China Vegan Society in March 2025, has proven to be a transformative initiative for plant-based awareness and lifestyle change across China. Modeled after global vegan challenges like Veganuary but tailored to the Chinese cultural calendar, V-March combined digital engagement, real-world activations, and cross-sector partnerships to successfully introduce and promote plant-based living in a country where dietary shifts have global impact.

Reaching Millions with a Simple Message: Try Vegan This March

The campaign reached approximately 7 million people across China through national media exposure, social media buzz, and grassroots events. Influential platforms such as Phoenix News, Toutiao China, and People Online Media amplified the message, while collaborations with international partners like Veganuary, ProVeg International, and Vegconomist gave V-March global recognition​.

Of those reached, more than 70,000 engaged directly with the campaign—joining online communities, participating in WeChat check-ins, and playing interactive games like V-Quiz. 40 restaurants and shops in cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou partnered with V-March to offer exclusive plant-based dishes and immersive vegan experiences​.

Real Behavior Change with Health as the Top Driver

Survey data revealed that 58% of participants maintained a fully vegan diet throughout the month, with 80% of survey respondents indicating they will continue their plant-based eating in some way after the end of V March. Health emerged as the leading motivator, cited by 23.5% of respondents, followed closely by animal welfare and environmental protection​.

Notably, participants reported significant improvements in energy levels, mood, body weight, and overall health. For many, the campaign wasn’t just a one-month experiment—it was the start of a lifelong journey.

A Whole Ecosystem of Collaboration

V-March was not a solo endeavor. More than 30 supporting brands—from food and skincare to sustainable hospitality—helped bring the experience to life through giveaways, discounts, and digital engagement. The campaign also raised funds for environmental restoration through a partnership with the Alashan SEE Ecology Association, helping to plant 870 trees and reclaim over 2,600 square meters of desert land​.

Key Takeaways for the Plant-Based Industry

For foodservice operators, retailers, and plant-based brands, the success of V-March offers crucial lessons:

  • Health-driven marketing remains compelling, particularly when paired with environmental and ethical benefits.

  • Community engagement, gamification, and rewards can effectively drive participation and behavior change.

  • Whole-food plant-based options and accessible education (such as ingredient guidance and cooking tips) help newcomers succeed.

  • Dining out remains a key challenge, suggesting a clear opportunity for restaurants to expand plant-based offerings.

V-March’s inaugural year has laid a powerful foundation for what could become one of the most influential vegan campaigns in Asia. As the movement grows, it will continue to serve as a vital platform for education, behavior change, and environmental action—all rooted in the simple act of eating with intention.

For brands and stakeholders looking to tap into China’s plant-based potential, the message is clear: The seeds of change have been planted. Now is the time to help them grow.

Daiya Unveils New Oat-Based Mozzarella – A Game-Changer for Plant-Based Pizza

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Manufacturing, Products.

Daiya, one of the original trailblazers in the plant-based cheese category, is once again raising the bar with the release of its new oat-based pizza mozzarella. Designed to deliver the melt, stretch, and flavor that pizza lovers crave, this updated formulation wowed buyers, chefs, and foodservice professionals alike during its official debut at Natural Products Expo West.

A New Era for Plant-Based Pizza

With a legacy dating back to 2008, Daiya helped pioneer the dairy-free cheese category when few alternatives existed. But as consumer expectations have evolved, so too has Daiya’s commitment to quality. The brand took a bold step forward by going back to the drawing board — embracing honest self-assessment and innovation to deliver a significantly improved product.

“We went to oat cream based because it performs,” shared Greg Acken, VP of Foodservice and International for Daiya. “The melt is better, the texture is better, the stretch is better and the browning is better. Our first ingredient is now oats, rather than a starch or oil.”

The result is a next-generation mozzarella-style shred made from oats that stands out for three key reasons:

  • Superior Meltability: Daiya’s new mozzarella melts effortlessly into a gooey, pizza-perfect layer — with stretch and softness that mimics traditional dairy cheese.

  • Browning Power: Unlike many plant-based cheeses that melt but don’t brown, this formulation offers a beautiful golden crispness, allowing it to shine under the high heat of pizza ovens.

  • Enhanced Flavor & Texture: Gone is the gummy or overly starchy texture that has challenged plant-based cheese. Daiya’s new oat-based version brings a clean, mild flavor and smooth, creamy mouthfeel that wins over skeptics and long-time dairy-free fans alike.

Foodservice and Retail Ready

This updated mozzarella is already making its mark in both foodservice and retail formats:

For foodservice operators, Daiya’s oat-based mozzarella provides a reliable, performance-driven solution that chefs can count on — whether in fast-casual pizza joints, gourmet kitchens, or institutional dining.

“Our retail product is fermented using a typical dairy cheese process, while the foodservice product is a similar formulation without the fermentation,” Acken explained, highlighting their commitment to tailoring products to different channels.

For consumers, the cheese now features prominently on Daiya’s signature line of frozen pizzas, giving home cooks the chance to experience the upgrade firsthand. With options like Margherita, Fire-Roasted Vegetable, and Meatless Pepperoni, Daiya’s pizzas now deliver a more authentic pizza night experience, without compromise.

A Standout at the Pizza Expo

Daiya showcased the new mozzarella at the Pizza Expo 2025, where it was featured in live cooking demonstrations and sampled on pizzas served fresh to attendees. The response? Overwhelmingly positive.

Foodservice buyers noted the cheese’s performance in high-heat ovens, while chefs applauded the authentic flavor and browning — two traits long missing from dairy-free options. The buzz around the booth made it clear: Daiya is back in a big way.

“The holy grail in plant-based is something that truly acts like dairy,” Acken added. “That is what buyers are looking for.”

A Brand That Listens and Leads

Daiya’s willingness to evolve its core product — rather than resting on its legacy status — signals a new chapter for the brand and the plant-based cheese category at large.

In an industry where taste and functionality are now non-negotiable, Daiya has proven that listening to customer feedback and embracing innovation can pay off in a big way. With its new oat-based mozzarella, Daiya is not just keeping up with the times — it’s helping lead the next wave of plant-based food excellence.

For foodservice, frozen retail, and beyond — Daiya’s new mozzarella is melting hearts and winning fans.

Stop Food Waste Day: Culinary Innovation for a More Sustainable Food System

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Foodservice, Ingredients.

Today marks Stop Food Waste Day, and the message from some of the world’s largest foodservice players is loud and clear: tackling food waste starts in the kitchen.

On LinkedIn, Compass Group, a global leader in institutional foodservice, celebrated its chefs for their role in transforming leftovers into opportunity:

“Our incredible Compass Group chefs are leading the charge today on #StopFoodWasteDay… and have been all year round! 

We are very lucky to have such an inspiring group of chefs that champion sustainable practices in our kitchens. From repurposing leftovers and smart menu planning, to tracking waste and using innovative food waste technologies, their passion and innovation are helping drive real change.”

In institutional kitchens—whether in schools, hospitals, or corporate dining—minimizing food waste isn’t just a sustainability goal, it’s a business imperative. But repurposing food doesn’t have to mean compromising on quality. In fact, some of the most exciting food innovations on the market today are designed specifically to turn food waste into customer favorites.

Here are upcycled products and strategies tailored for institutional foodservice environments:

Upcycled Bread Crumbs and Croutons

Made from surplus bread, these crunchy toppings are ideal for salads, soups, and baked dishes. Some suppliers even offer flavored varieties to reduce prep time and boost flavor.

Banana Peel Chutney

Common in many cuisines, this sweet and spicy condiment repurposes banana peels that would otherwise be tossed. Perfect as a dip or sandwich spread.

Root-to-Stem Slaws and Soups

Carrot tops, beet greens, broccoli stems—these typically discarded ingredients can be turned into delicious, nutrient-rich sides or blended into soup bases.

Spent Fruit Jam

Pulp leftover from juicing or smoothies can be transformed into house-made fruit spreads. Pair with whole grain toast or as a base for vinaigrettes.

Plant-Based Cheese from Aquafaba

Aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) is a high-protein emulsifier that can be used to create creamy, dairy-free cheese spreads or dips—particularly relevant for plant-forward menus.

Upcycled Pizza Toppings

Vegetable trimmings, past-prime produce, or irregular cuts can be roasted and used as pizza toppings, reducing prep waste while delivering flavor and variety.

Upcycled Snack Bars

Use food scraps like nut pulp (from plant milk production) or dried fruit bits to create in-house snack bars—a great grab-and-go item with clean label appeal.

Food waste reduction isn’t just about doing less harm—it’s about creating more value. The institutional kitchens that lead with creativity, care, and sustainability are setting a new standard for the future of food.

As Compass Group’s example shows, the chefs leading this charge aren’t just cooks—they’re change agents.

Want more strategies to turn surplus into satisfaction? Stay tuned for an upcoming spotlight on foodservice operators who are rethinking waste, one meal at a time.

Iceland Foods Earns Vegetarian Society Accreditation for New Plant-Based Products 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Retail.

Iceland Foods has officially achieved Vegetarian Society Approved certification for a wide selection of its vegetarian, vegan, and plant-based offerings. The certification, which includes approximately 20 products, features the retailer’s newly launched TGI Melt in the Middle No Meat Burgers among its highlights.

This certification is a stamp of approval from one of the most respected bodies in the vegetarian and vegan community. The Vegetarian Society Approved trademark guarantees that products have been independently verified to contain no animal-derived ingredients, are free from GMOs, and are produced in environments where there is no cross-contamination with meat.

“We are delighted to welcome Iceland Foods Supermarket to the Vegetarian Society Approved family,” said Nina Anderson, Head of Trademark Services at the Vegetarian Society. “As more people look for trustworthy vegetarian, vegan and plant-based options, it’s fantastic to see a major retailer like Iceland providing clearly accredited products that customers can choose with confidence.”

The accreditation marks a significant milestone not just for Iceland Foods, but for the wider retail landscape in the UK. As demand continues to grow for ethical, sustainable, and accessible food options, certifications like these offer reassurance to consumers navigating the ever-expanding world of meat-free products.

The newly approved Iceland items will be available in Iceland and The Food Warehouse locations across the UK, as well as online, making it easier than ever for customers to make confident plant-based choices.

The significance of the Vegetarian Society approving entire retailers, rather than certifying brands or products one at a time, cannot be overstated. This broader approach helps build deeper consumer trust by signaling that a retailer is committed to high standards across its full vegetarian and vegan range. For shoppers, this means a more efficient and confidence-driven experience—instead of scrutinizing every ingredient list, they can look for the trusted Vegetarian Society Approved logo and know that the product meets rigorous ethical and dietary criteria. It turns the retailer into a one-stop shop for high-quality plant-based options, streamlining the shopping process and encouraging more consumers to explore meat-free choices.

To learn more about the Vegetarian Society Approved trademark or to explore Iceland’s full certified range, visit www.vegsoc.org.

Fabalish Doubles Down on Clean-Label Creativity for 2025 

Written by Benjamin Davis on . Posted in Interviews, Manufacturing, Products.

Since its founding in 2019, Fabalish has earned a loyal following for doing something few brands in the plant-based space have mastered—combining delicious flavor, creamy texture, and clean-label ingredients in a lineup of craveable dips, sauces, and snacks. Now, the chef-led team is kicking off 2025 with new innovations, expanded partnerships, and a clear vision for where plant-based food is heading next. 

 

A Creative Pipeline Fueled by Chef-Led R&D 

At the heart of Fabalish’s product strategy is a love for culinary experimentation—and the agility to bring it to life quickly.

“We love innovating! We’re a team of chefs, and spending time on R&D is an amazing opportunity for expressing our creativity,” shared Jessica Gebel, Founder & Co-CEO in a recent interview with Plant Based World Pulse. “Since we own our manufacturing, turning on new products and special releases is relatively easy.”

That speed and flexibility has led to over nine co-branded products launched in the last year alone, in collaboration with companies like Hungryroot, Purple Carrot, Mr. Bing, and WunderEggs. And the momentum continues this spring with two new sauces launching in April through Hungryroot: Jalapeño Crema and Awesome Sauce (a reimagined “special sauce” with even more flair).

Looking ahead, the team is developing new formats including breakfast veggie bites, protein brownie bites, and additional flavors of sauces and condiments, keeping the lineup dynamic and exciting for both retail and foodservice partners.

 

Standing Out in a Crowded Market 

With a growing number of plant-based brands on shelf, what sets Fabalish apart?

“While many plant-based products exist, few are able to nail the ideal combination of delicious taste and creamy texture, while being clean label, organic, and top 9 allergen-free,” the company says.

This dedication to uncompromising quality has led to multiple awards and nominations, and perhaps more importantly, a stream of glowing customer reviews. Consumers return to Fabalish not just for what’s not in the products, but for how good they actually taste.

Who Should Be Paying Attention?

Fabalish’s omni-channel success means the brand is actively expanding across multiple sectors—but they’re especially eager to connect with:

  • E-retailers like Hungryroot, FreshDirect, and Thrive Market
  • Foodservice partners and meal prep companies like HelloFresh and Sakara
  • Retailers seeking culinary-led innovation in the plant-based, clean-label category

For interested buyers, the team encourages reaching out directly to sales@fabalish.com to explore partnerships and request samples.

 

Staying True in a Shifting Market 

As plant-based continues to evolve—sometimes chasing indulgence or novelty over substance—Fabalish remains firmly committed to its founding values.

“Our mission to provide real food that is convenient and delicious has not changed, and we are doubling down on clean-label while consistently improving and adding new products customers love.”

While the industry as a whole explores new frontiers, Fabalish believes the future lies in aligning innovation with health, transparency, and whole ingredients. For a new generation of conscious consumers, it’s not just about what’s plant-based—it’s about what’s better.

To learn more, visit fabalish.com or follow the brand on social media for updates on new product drops and retailer news.